By Ray Pride Pride@moviecitynews.com
Sundance favorite GOD LOVES UGANDA to receive theatrical release from Variance Films
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Academy Award winner Roger Ross Williams’ exposé of US Evangelical influence in Ugandan anti-homosexuality laws to hit theaters October 11, 2013.
New York, August 29, 2013 – Variance Films announced today that Roger Ross Williams’ GOD LOVES UGANDA will be released theatrically beginning in New York City on October 11, 2013, followed by an expansion to theaters across the US and Canada throughout the fall and into early 2014.
With GOD LOVES UGANDA, Academy Award winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams (Music by Prudence) explores the role of the American Evangelical movement in fueling Uganda’s terrifying turn towards biblical law and the proposed death penalty for homosexuality. Thanks to charismatic religious leaders and a well-financed campaign, these draconian new laws and the politicians that peddle them are winning over the Ugandan public. But these dangerous policies and the money that fuels them aren’t coming from Africa; they’re being imported from some of America’s largest megachurches. Using vérité, interviews, and hidden camera footage, the film allows American religious leaders and their young missionaries that make up the “front lines in a battle for billions of souls” to explain their positions in their own words.
“It’s been a three year journey, and I am beyond excited to be teaming with Variance Films to bring GOD LOVES UGANDA to the big screen,” said director Roger Ross Williams.
“We are thrilled to partner with Variance Films so that GOD LOVES UGANDA can reach audiences across North America,” said producer Julie Goldman of Motto Pictures. “Since its Sundance Film Festival premiere, GOD LOVES UGANDA has screened at festivals and events around the world and the response has been extraordinary. Audiences are moved by the storytelling and outraged at what the film exposes. We look forward to the theatrical release to spark a dialogue around these important and timely issues.”
“Even as our LGBTI brothers and sisters rack up hard-fought victories here at home, something scary is happening overseas. I believe there is a direct connection between the far-right elements of the religious community in America and the passage of dangerous anti-gay legislation in places like Uganda and Russia… and I believe Roger’s film expertly connects the dots between the two,” said Dylan Marchetti, president and founder of Variance Films. “I think this is one of the most important films we’ve ever released, and my hope is that GOD LOVES UGANDA will not only inspire discussion in the theater lobby, but lead to direct action when people get home.”
GOD LOVES UGANDA was directed by Roger Ross Williams, and produced by Williams and Julie Goldman. The film is a co-production of Full Credit Productions, Motto Pictures, and the Independent Television Service (ITVS).
OFFICIAL SITE/SOCIAL MEDIA: godlovesuganda.com / @GodLovesUganda / facebook.com/godlovesuganda
ABOUT VARIANCE FILMS
Founded in 2008, Variance partners with leading independent filmmakers to distribute the most exciting independent films to theaters across the US and Canada, using innovative release strategies that focus on collaborative, grassroots marketing tactics to drive audiences to theaters. Recent and upcoming releases include Dave Grohl’s SOUND CITY, Spike Lee’s RED HOOK SUMMER, John Sayles’ GO FOR SISTERS and AMIGO, Cullen Hoback’s TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY APPLY, Johnnie To’s DRUG WAR, Terence Nance’s AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY, and Wilson Yip’s IP MAN 2: LEGEND OF THE GRANDMASTER. For more information, please visit variancefilms.com / facebook.com/variancefilms
ABOUT MOTTO PICTURES
Founded in 2009, Motto Pictures produces and executive produces feature documentary films. From development to completion, Motto focuses on every creative aspect of producing. Motto secures financing, develops innovative distribution strategies, and positions the film in domestic and international markets to reach the widest audience, garner strong publicity and maximize its full sales potential. Recent productions include: GOD LOVES UGANDA, THE KILL TEAM, GIDEON’S ARMY, MANHUNT, BEWARE OF MR BAKER, A PLACE AT THE TABLE, AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY, and BUCK. mottopictures.com / facebook.com/mottopictures
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